About The Festival

28 Years of music in one of the most spectacular venues on earth.

This intimate and laid-back world-class music festival has been hosting big names and newly discovered gems of the music business since 1992.

This year, the Kaslo Jazz Etc Festival will once again make use of the astounding acoustics of Kaslo Bay Park to showcase an array of blues, jazz, latin, folk, world music and much more.Our unique floating stage transforms Kaslo Bay Park into a natural green amphitheater and sends live music reverberating out over Kootenay Lake.All weekend long, world-class musicians perform against our breathtaking backdrop of mountains and sky.

Selected as one of the “Top ten places to get out doors and be in tune,” by USA Today, and one of the “Top 10 places to enjoy outdoor summer music” by REUTERS, the Kaslo Bay floating stage has been recognized as one of the premier outdoor music venues in the world.

Festival goers dance in the sand, swim around the stage, or relax in the grass and enjoy the delicious offerings of local food and drink vendors.The intimate, laid-back vibe of this festival seduces audiences and performers alike. So come discover the magic of the Kaslo Jazz Etc Festival, and the culture of the Kootenay’s in the summer!

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the tabs below to find the answers to commonly asked questions! Don’t see your question here? Contact Us!

• Where can we stay in Kaslo?

Camping and other accommodations are available throughout the village of Kaslo and surrounding areas. Accommodation is limited though, and our campsites fill up fast! Please visit our Camping & Accommodations Page for camping passes and the Camping FAQ for further information. Please note pets are NOT ALLOWED at any of our campgrounds.

• Are single day passes available?

If you are unable to enjoy the entire music filled August Long Weekend but still want to come for just one day, we can hook you up! Single Day tickets can be purchased online or at various outlets throughout the Kootenays. Single Day tickets include the whole day/night of the Festival: 11AM-12AM. There are no half day tickets available. To purchase tickets please visit our Buy Tickets page and visit our Ticket FAQ for further information.

• Is the festival wheelchair accessible?

The Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival is working to be accessible to all patrons. The Festival is wheelchair accessible, however it is on uneven terrain including a sandy beach. We are a small Festival and parking is very limited. See below for Parking and Shuttle Information. We provide an Accessibility Application for further information. Please fill it out to let us know your needs so we can address them as best to our ability.

• How do I become a vendor?

The Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival aims to provide a well-rounded balance of local options and a diverse array of both goods and food vendors for everyone to enjoy. Visit our Vendors Page for further information.

• How do I become a volunteer?

The magic that is Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival wouldn’t be possible without the incredible help and support of our amazing volunteers! If you would like to be part of that magic visit our Volunteer Page.

• How can I get involved with the festival?

Besides volunteers and vendors, we also wouldn’t be able to create the magic without our paid staff, billet hosts, sponsors, advertisers, and so many other people! To see how else you can get involved with the Kaslo Jazz Etc Festival – visit our Get Involved! page

• Is there alcohol available?

The Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival is licensed throughout the entire Grounds for those 19 and older (government issued ID always required). We provide an array of local beers, ciders and wine on tap to quench your thirst while dancing on the beach. Beer/Cider & Wine ticket packages can be purchased through our website ahead of the Festival to avoid lineups when you arrive! For further information visit Alcohol Beverage Tickets. Beer/Cider/Wine tickets bought onsite are CASH ONLY. There is an ATM provided onsite.

• Can you book Neil Young?

As much as we would love to welcome Neil Young to the floating stage, we have not booked him for the festival. Be sure to sign up to the Mailing List and we’ll let you know if that changes. If you happen to know Neil – please tell him we’d love to make it happen!

• What can I bring?

The weather in the Kootenays can change quite quickly! Lawn chairs, sunscreen and other sun protection, bathing suits, towels, blankets, refillable water bottles, floatation devices, umbrellas, ponchos are a great start!

• What can I not bring?

No pets, outside alcohol or glass are permitted on the Festival Grounds at any time. You are welcome to pack in your own picnic but don’t try to hide your German Shepherd in your cooler! All coolers/backpacks/bags subject to Security checks.

• Zero Waste Management (and how you can help)

The Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival is working hard to make as little waste as possible. Our Zero Waste Stations are a key part! They are provided throughout the Festival Grounds for your convenience (look for the signs!) with Volunteers ready to help direct you on how to dispose of your waste and give further information. We have stainless steel mugs for sale at our Beer Tickets Booth that can be reused all weekend and in future years! All our Vendors provide recyclable and/or compostable supplies to help in our initiative. Please do your part and don’t bring plastic to the Festival and recycle responsibly. We thank you for your participation!

• Is the Festival kid friendly?

The mood at the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival is relaxed and happy! We encourage all families to enjoy the variety of entertainment that is provided for both young and old all weekend long! The Kindermusik Kids Tent provides children’s entertainment, music and activities from 11am-6pm every day. Crafts, face painting, bubbles, puppets shows are just a few examples of what children can enjoy. Glen the Balloon Guy also provides children with exciting balloon creations all weekend. Kids can play at the beach or enjoy the expanse of lawn in Kaslo Bay Park (the Festival Site). Children 12 & under accompanied by their parents are free. Please note there is no lifeguard on duty, so swimming is at your own risk.

• Is there Festival parking?

We have a Parking Attendant at the cenotaph hill before the Festival Grounds to direct and answer questions regarding parking. Please note that there is NO parking along Kaslo Bay Park Road and violators will be towed. Exceptions for Accessibility (see above for further information).

• Is there a Festival shuttle?

Kaslo Bay Road from the cenotaph hill in Kaslo to the Festival grounds is closed off to parking. We do provide a shuttle that picks up and drops off patrons from the Festival Grounds, throughout Kaslo and to all our campgrounds. For further information, map and schedule please see our Festival Shuttle Map.

• How do I get to Kaslo?

The village of Kaslo is nestled on the Western shore of magnificent Kootenay Lake and sheltered between the spectacular Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges. Visit our Getting to Kaslo Page for directions and further information on our tiny town.